[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 20025-20026]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF FORMER GEORGIA STATE SENATOR ROBERT LOFTON BROWN

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, last week the state of Georgia 
lost one of its most committed community leaders, beloved public 
figures and dynamic elected officials with the death of former Georgia 
State Senator Robert Brown. Senator Brown was a close friend, 
confidant, and someone who I greatly admired not only for his notable 
legislative achievements on behalf of the people of Georgia but more 
importantly for his measured disposition, kind-hearted nature and 
uncompromising desire to help needy families and low-income 
communities.
  On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, Senator Brown's family members, 
friends, colleagues, and his constituents will pay tribute to his 
legacy of achievement and outstanding efforts on behalf of working 
families during funeral services at Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church in 
Macon, Georgia.
  Although we are all saddened by the unexpected and sudden passing of 
our friend and colleague, we can all take solace in remembering the 
positive, enduring impact that he had on our lives and the profound 
accomplishments that he achieved throughout his exemplary public 
service.
  Senator Brown was born on January 30, 1950 to Joe Brown and Ruby 
Lofton Brown. He spent his formative years in Greenville, Georgia 
before moving to Macon to attend and eventually graduate from Mercer 
University. Following college, Senator Brown permanently settled in 
Macon and began to gradually establish himself as one of Middle 
Georgia's most respected political leaders.
  While he will be remembered as a wise and thoughtful public figure, 
Senator Brown had to overcome many obstacles and conquer seemingly 
insurmountable challenges in his ascension to the status of becoming 
one of Georgia's most influential legislators. Despite two unsuccessful 
election attempts for a seat in the Georgia State House, he refused to 
give up and was eventually elected to the Bibb County School Board.
  Following his tenure on the school board, he once again beat the odds 
and in 1991 won a highly competitive election for the Georgia State 
Senate. While in the Senate he was appointed as the Governor's 
Assistant Floor Leader before being elected to serve as that 
legislative body's Minority Leader. He served as Senate Minority Leader 
for six years and while in this position he effectively advanced 
initiatives that improved public education, consolidated overlapping 
government functions, and preserved historic landmarks cherished by 
local residents.
  Senator Brown was preceded in death by his beloved parents and is 
survived by many cousins, close personal friends, an expansive network 
of professional colleagues and loyal constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been said that, ``Service is the rent we pay for 
the space we occupy on

[[Page 20026]]

this earth.'' There is no doubt that through his service, Senator 
Robert Lofton Brown paid his ``rent'' and the world is truly better 
because he did.
  Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to 
the life of State Sen-ator Robert Brown--an outstanding legislator, 
dedicated community advocate, loyal friend and faithful public servant.